Carlie Abee Estefan

Carlie's early years are spent in San Antonio. She and her family move to San Diego, California when she is eight years old. It is there that she experiences the "Grunion Run." In the warm, salty moonlight air of southern California at certain times of the year, thousands of small, silver fish called "grunion" wash onto the beach and shimmer in the moonlight. Carlie and her sister Linda scoop up as many grunion as they can and throw them back into the ocean.

When Carlie is fourteen years old, she and her family move back to San Antonio. Her father buys an ice cream plant and names it Abee's Ice Cream Novelties. Carlie and her sister work in the plant, making ice cream treats. Carlie graduates from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1957 and in 1962 she earns her Bachelor's degree from Trinity University in San Antonio. It is there that she meets Ron Estefan. They fall in love, marry and start a family.

In 1963, Carlie goes to work for San Antonio Independent School District, starting out as a teacher. Between work and raising a family, she gets her Master's Degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. She then moves from teaching at San Antonio Independent School District into administration where she rises to the position of Associate Superintendent. She loves her work and, after dedicating thirty two years to the School District, retires in 1996.

Throughout her life, Carlie's family, friends and faith bring her the greatest joy. She loves reading, playing cards - especially bridge - and traveling. She takes great pride in getting things done and in being a problem solver. She is particularly proud of her two children, Ron, Jr. and Margaret. She gives much of her time, energy and love to her church - St. George Maronite Catholic Church. The church and its members completely and lovingly embrace her. She becomes a pillar in the church, just as the church has become a pillar in her life. Her church involvement carries over into her participation with the Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs, where she serves as the Secretary of that organization for seven straight years. Her time spent in "The Federation" enriches her with many new friendships spanning from Colorado to Florida.

Carlie always found a way to connect with people and inspire them through her example. Carlie didn't leave any of her potential behind or her dreams unrealized, which is to say she lived her life fully. On February 17, 2011, God called Carlie home.

Carlie was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald M. Estefan; parents, Carl and Margaret Abee; mother-in-law, Hope Estefan and three brothers-in-law. She is survived by her son Ronald M. Estefan, Jr. of Houston and his wife Paula; daughter, Margaret Estefan of Austin; grandchildren, Zachary Estefan and Blake Estefan of Houston; sister Linda Phillippe and Linda's husband Frank Phillippe of Rockport; sisters-in-law, Gene Viola, Marsha Estefan and Cora Estefan of San Antonio, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at St. George Maronite Catholic Church. Further visitation and a light repast will follow the Rosary.

ROSARY

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2011

7:00 P.M.

ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH

6070 BABCOCK RD.

MASS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2011

10:00 A.M.

ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Graveside service and entombment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, TX 78266.